About ActiveCare PT:

Our therapists are licensed in New York State and active members in the American Physical Therapy Association. We have advanced training in joint mobilization and myofascial release techniques.

We are dedicated practitioners with a passion for the profession and a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment and healing. We treat each patient as an individual and treat the whole person, with a plan of care designed to meet the patient’s set goals for health, functionality and a return to work, tasks and activities. We network with a team of physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists in order to provide guidance to other modalities that may be effective in the patients’ care.

Physical Therapist and owner Karena Wu is a graduate of the Program in Physical Therapy at Columbia University and is affiliated with several healthcare organizations in New York City. She is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Kinesio Taping Practitioner and Pilates Instructor, and uses SpiderTech Taping.

ActiveCare is primarily an out-of-network facility. We accept all insurance with out-of-network benefits and file for most major insurance plans. We work with all prospective patients to create workable payment plans regardless of insurance coverage.

ActiveCare’s administrators provide seamless and efficient concierge-style client service to all of our patients. And the whole ActiveCare team makes sure your time with us is a beneficial, productive and enjoyable experience.

ActiveCare Physical Therapy, Inc.

Three Easy Stretching Exercises Part II Downward Facing Dog

Holiday Stretch #2- Downward- Facing Dog

My absolute FAVORITE lately- nothing says “good morning” like a downward-facing dog. It’s a huge full bodystretch that works whether you are in Mexico, Los Angeles, Peru or NYC. The “down-dog” is great for spinal decompression, but it can be severe, so don’t kill yourself trying to look like the yogi in the picture! Also- if you have shooting pain in your leg, this exercise is not for you.

Downward-Facing Dog Tip #1- If the back of your legs are tight-tight-tight, you can pedal the feet out first. Press down through one heel and straighten that leg as much as possible; you’ll feel it in the back of that leg. Then switch to the other leg. Do this several times on both sides, to loosen up and make the stretch more tolerable.

Downward- Facing Dog Tip #2-. Make sure your head is at rest, and you are able to nod your head yes and no. You should be looking toward your upper thighs.